Essence of Life - Food

HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE

This post is all bout "How to perfectly cook Brown Rice" Brown Rice is a form of Raw Rice, a whole grain. Once the Paddy is harvested, the inedible husk(outer cover) is removed(De-husking) from it and what you get is the BROWN RICE. The outer hull is still on there and that is what makes this Rice look, Brown. It’s got the germ and bran, as well. These things give it more fibre with a slightly nutty flavour and a chewy texture.
Once the process of dehusking is done, the rice goes through another process which is Polishing or removing the bran from the Brown Rice and what you get is the refined version of Rice - WHITE RICE/RAW RICE. The hull, germ, and bran have been removed from white rice. That makes it cook pretty faster. But brown rice can take up to 45 minutes to cook in a saucepan. That’s the big difference between a White Rice & a Brown Rice.

BROWN RICE

I started using Brown Rice a bit lately. Initially, I procrastinated the thought by thinking sometime later, would it be easy to cook, do I really need use Brown Rice etc., & etc., Then when I finally got a packet of Brown Rice, it was not an easy task as any other type of Rice. I have always found myself lucky in the process of Cooking Rice. I couldn’t get how to cook brown rice right during my first few attempts. It turned out to be gluey and sometimes slightly uncooked, trying out with various Rice Water Ratio and also by Soaking the Rice. As a thumb Rule again Trial & Error works, but finally the Trial & Error will yield you with Trial & Success.
Brown Rice comes in various forms like Long Grained, Medium-grained, Short Grained etc., some packages even say they are converted or quick cook Rice. Even there is Brown Basmati Rice. More or less all these varieties cook more or less the same, but some don't. On the first hand, I always check the package to see what measurement they have suggested, follow it as a first Trial and if it works, all good, stick on to the measurement. But mostly I haven't been lucky enough in the process. They say for Al Dante!!! But for me, it is surely not so.

BROWN RICE

   "Brown Rice" is the one variety of Rice used in South East Asian Countries, where rice is a staple. It can be used for cooking it as Rice or converting it into Fried Rice Recipes or into Kuihs, Sweets, Porridges, Desserts etc., Brown Rice is finding its own place next to Raw Rice throughout South East Asian Countries. Even restaurants have started to have an option of serving you Brown Rice these days. Brown Rice can be used while making Porridges/Kanji/Soups etc.,
     What's a deal cooking a Rice? Maybe that is the first thing which can pop up into our mind. Cooking rice is a daily chore done without a second thought. It can be any type/variety of rice -Raw Rice, Par-boiled Rice, Kerala Rose Matta Rice, Glutinous Rice, Fragrant/Jasmine Rice, Basmati Rice, Brown Rice, Sushi Rice, Risotto Rice, Calrose Rice etc., & etc.,
     In general, any variety or type of Rice is cooked in pretty much the same way. They just sometimes vary only with Rice: Water Ratio & cooking time. You can easily adjust the texture of your rice to your liking by adding more or limiting water. My technique to get perfectly cooked rice is 'Trial and Error Method'. Any variety or type of Rice it can be, cooking with your instincts and mainly to suit your preference is the only foolproof method. Few trial and errors don't matter in the long run of cooking and it is the only way to perfect yourself and find a suitable method of your own which perfectly suits your cooking style.
      Rinsing the Rice well before using and traditionally cooking the Rice in a Saucepan or an earthen Pot with a lot of water and then draining off the extra starch is one best method to cook Brown Rice, any type of Rice as a matter of fact. This old-school method is followed by most of the yesteryear people. This method removes any extra starch from the Rice making it healthier.     Hectic lifestyle has brought forth easy and less time-consuming methods like cooking the rice in Rice Cooker/Pressure Cooker. I have tried to give a few easy methods to perfectly cook Brown Rice, generally, I cook Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker or in a Pressure Cooker. The other methods are also tried and tested.

For detailed recipes on HOW TO COOK DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF RICE, Click here...

HOW TO BUY AND STORE BROWN RICE:

BROWN RICE

Brown Rice contains healthy Germs and Natural Oils in it. so it has a shorter shelf-life compared to other varieties of Rice. So it is advisable to store Brown Rice in the refrigerator/freezer in an airtight container.

A good quality Brown Rice would last longer.
Buy a long-grained Raw Rice (make sure the pack doesn't contain too many broken pieces).
Make sure the Rice is free from bugs(Weevils).
Store it in a clean and dry place in an airtight container free from moist.

HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE

FOR PERFECTLY COOKED BROWN RICE :

A good brand of Brown Rice will do half of the job.
The secret of perfectly cooked Brown Rice is getting the right ratio of water to rice. Typically, the instructions on the package call for 21/2 cups Water for every 1 cup of Rice (1:21/2 Cups Rice: Water Ratio), if you like your rice “al dente.” If you need a bowl of softer rice, add a bit more water.
Though it isn't necessary, I would prefer to rinse the rice before cooking. Rinse the rice once or twice, moving your fingers through the rice, until the water runs clear.
Drain the water.

METHOD:

HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE IN A SAUCEPAN

Place the Brown Rice in a saucepan big enough to hold the rice and water.
Add enough water to cover the rice by a little over 3/4 inch above the rice. (For 1 Cup of Raw Rice, I use just over 21/2 cups of Water).
Keeping the saucepan uncovered, bring the rice to a boil.
Once the water begins to boil, lower the flame.
Cover the pot and cook the rice in low flame for about 15-20 minutes.
Once the rice is cooked, remove from fire and keep it aside for at least 10 minutes to cool down.
Fluff up the Brown Rice with a fork or a chopstick before serving.

*Sometimes the rice is cooked with more water. Once the rice is cooked the remaining water is drained from the Saucepan. This reduces the stickiness of the rice.

HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE IN A RICE COOKER

(Rice Water Ratio 1: 21/2 Cups)

Place 1 Cup of Brown Rice in the rice cooker
Add 21/2 Cup of Water.
Cover the Rice Cooker and turn it on.
Cook until it automatically turns off.
Leave the in warm mode for another 5-10 minutes.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Fluff up the Brown Rice with a fork or a chopstick before serving.

HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE IN A PRESSURE COOKER

(Rice Water Ratio 1: 2 to 21/4 Cups)

Place 1 Cup of Brown Rice in a bowl.
Add 2 to 21/4 Cups of Water.
Place the bowl inside the Pressure Cooker.
Fix the gasket inside the lid and cover the pressure cooker.
Begin cooking under pressure over high heat for 2-3 Whistle.
Then lower the flame and cook for 3 more whistles.
Switch off the flame and wait for the pressure to release.
Once the pressure is totally released, open the lid and remove the bowl with cooked rice from the pressure cooker.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Fluff up the Brown Rice with a fork or a chopstick before serving.

HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE IN A STEAMER

(Soaking Overnight/4-6 Hours + Rice Water Ratio 1: 2 Cups)

Brown Rice tastes best steamed. Steam cooking fluffs up the rice and retains the fullness of its natural texture. And the most important factor they are gluten-free. Any type of steamers do the trick brilliantly, maybe the traditional bamboo steamers, Stainless Steel/ Aluminium steamers, or Electronic Steamers. In each of these devices, hot, moist steam completely surrounds the grains of rice inside, cooking them perfectly. But the Rice need to be soaked overnight or at least for 4-6 hours. And also the cooking time is relatively higher compared to other methods.

Wash and soak 1 Cup of Rice in ample of Water.
Soak the Rice overnight or at least for 4-6 hours.
Once soaked, discard the water and drain the rice in a colander.
Fit a rack or steaming trivet into a pot or a steamer large enough to accommodate the bowl.
Pour about an inch of water into the pot or a steamer.
Place 1 Cup of Brown Rice in a bowl on the rack (it shouldn’t touch the water in the pot),
Pour 2 Cup of Water to the Rice.
Cover the pot or steamer, and bring the water in the steamer to a boil in high flame.
As soon as the water in the pot begins to boil, reduce the heat.
Steam Cook the Rice for 60-65 minutes.
Check whether the Rice is cooked.
Once the rice is cooked switch off the flames and take the pot off the heat.
Use tongs or a hot pad to remove the hot bowl from the steam pot.
Leave it aside for a few minutes to cool down.
Fluff up the Brown Rice with a fork or a chopstick before serving.

HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE IN AN ELECTRONIC STEAMER

(Soaking Overnight/4-6 Hours +Rice Water Ratio 1: 2 Cups)

Wash and soak 1 Cup of Rice in ample of Water.
Soak the Rice overnight or at least for 4-6 hours.
Once soaked, discard the water and drain the rice in a colander.
If using an electric steamer, fill the steamer's water reservoir to the "max" line.
Place 1 cup of Brown Rice and 2 Cups of Water in a bowl.
If your steamer has multi-level, place the rice bowl at the lowest level.
Cover the rice bowl.
Turn on the steamer and set the timing for 60-65 minutes.
Check whether the Rice is cooked.
Once it's cooked remove the rice bowl from the steamer and allow it to cool down for a few minutes.
Fluff up the Brown Rice before serving.

HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE

NOTES:

The amount of water needed can vary depending on the type of Brown Rice. The short-grained and Brown Basmati needs less water compared to the long grained & medium-grained Brown Rice.
I prefer cooking Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker.
Cooking Brown Rice in a rice cooker is equally tricky & easy. If you get the knack of it then it's really easy. Try cooking as per the ratio mentioned in directions of the Rice Cooker manual. Adjust the water until you get a perfectly cooked Raw Rice. Few trial and errors don't matter.
I get perfectly cooked Brown Rice at 1:21/2 ratio in Rice cooker.
Use your preferred method to Cook Brown Rice.
Adjust the amount of water to suit the way you prefer Rice to be.
And while cooking for dishes like Fried Rice, reduce a little bit of water and cook the Brown Rice along with a drizzle of Oil.
Cold or @ room temperature Raw Rice suits well for making Fried Rice & variety rice dishes.
If you do not have a steamer, a large wok or a pan with a lid will do the job.
Fill the wok or pan with water, set a rack inside the wok to place the rice bowl and close the lid.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE

Pineapple, the fruit is so much related to Tropical for me. A popular fruit packed with nutrients, antioxidants and other helpful compounds, such as enzymes that can fight inflammation and diseases.
Pineapple and its compounds have been linked to many health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity and speeding up recovery from surgery. Pineapples can be eaten raw or can be processed in a variety of food products such as Jam, Juice, Wine and it is one popular fruit sold Canned. Pineapples are also incredibly versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways.
Pineapple offers a wealth of health benefits due to its high nutrient and antioxidant contents.
Pineapples are rich in Vitamins A and K, Phosphorus, Zinc and Calcium. It is especially rich in Vitamin C and Manganese. Vitamin C is essential for growth and development, maintain a healthy immune system and aiding the absorption of Iron from our diet. Meanwhile, Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that aids growth, maintains healthy metabolism and has antioxidant properties. Pineapple with its loaded nutrient is one best fruit to boost the immune system.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF A PINEAPPLE

Pineapples are low in calories but have an incredibly impressive nutrient profile. Pineapples have been a part of traditional medicine for centuries.

BOOSTS ENERGY:

Pineapple has a rich source of Manganese, which helps to boost the creation of enzymes which are responsible for boosting up the energy in our Body.

WEIGHT LOSS:

The high water content in the fruit proves beneficial for Weight Loss. Pineapples are a low-calorie, fat-free food with a low Glycemic Index. Pineapple also contains compounds with antioxidant properties and also helps to improve energy metabolism.

EYE HEALTH:

Due to the high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C, Pineapple may even help prevent cataracts and other age-related eye conditions like age-related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma etc., Also, it contains a lot of Beta carotene – an essential element needed for a healthy vision that should be consumed regularly.

CANCER:

Pineapple contains compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to Cancer. The enzyme Bromelain is a compound found in Pineapple, which may stimulate cell death in certain cancer cells and aid white blood cell function. Pineapples contain loads of antioxidants that help to capture and fight against free radicals. This slows down the cell damage process, thus preventing some types of cancer. Certain enzymes found in Pineapple can shrink or kill cancer cells.

BLOOD PRESSURE:

Pineapple is rich in Potassium. The high Potassium content helps to reduce the effects of Sodium in people with High Blood Pressure. It also helps to ease the tension of the blood vessels and promotes proper blood circulation to various parts of the body. As your blood vessels relax, your blood pressure reduces and the flow of blood is less restricted. Pineapples can help prevent such conditions as Stroke and Atherosclerosis.

HEALTHY BOWEL:

Pineapples provide the essential dietary fibre along with Vitamin C, which aids in Digestion & a healthy bowel. Pineapples have proved to soothe inflammatory bowel diseases by reducing gut inflammation and preventing diarrhoea. Also, it helps to digest protein-rich foods. Pineapples are a good source of fibre. It soothes the stomach and promotes digestion. It also hydrates the body and helps in regular bowel movements which may reduce the risk of constipation and protect against bowel diseases. It also strengthens the Kidneys by flushing out the toxins.

RELIEVES NAUSEA:

A glass of Pineapple Juice can help beat the morning sickness for pregnant women. It is also helpful for people suffering from motion sickness. Few glasses of Pineapple juice just before a long bus trip or a flight can reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.

IMMUNITY:

Pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties that may boost the immune system. Pineapples are a powerful source of Vitamin C, a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage and prevents joint pains and heart diseases.

BONE HEALTH:

In addition to Vitamin C, Pineapples also have plenty of Manganese which strengthens bones and connecting tissues. Manganese helps in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.One cup of fresh Pineapple Juice contains over 70% of the required daily dose of manganese. Kids, adults and elderly people should eat a few chunks of pineapple a day to keep their bodies strong.

HEALTHY SKIN:

Vitamin C in the fruit proves beneficial for the skin. Manganese in Pineapples supports healthy bones and tissues, while the antioxidant vitamin C promotes healing and helps your body absorb Iron. Antioxidants in Pineapples may reduce cellular damage by protecting cell membranes.

TREATS SINUSES & ALLERGY SWELLINGS:

Vitamin C helps to reduce mucus in the throat and nose. Adding Pineapples in your daily diet is believed to ease up up seasonal allergies.

TREATS COLD & COUGH:

Pineapples are loaded with Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds. This proves to be a great remedy for treating nasty colds & coughing. Bromelain present in Pineapples reduce swellings and respiratory problems. Enzymes in Pineapples helps to reduce the inflammation and clean up excessive mucus in the respiratory system. It is believed that a glass of Pineapple Juice can soothe the symptom of Cold & Cough faster than a glass of Orange Juice.

PREVENT ASTHMA:

Beta-carotene is found in pineapples can lower the risk of Asthma. It also helps to detox your body from harmful substances and reduce inflammation levels caused by stress, pollution and poor nutrition.

REDUCES BLOOD CLOT:

Bromelain present in Pineapples helps reduce excessive coagulation of the blood.

STRENGTHEN THE GUMS:

Astringent agents present in Pineapples help to tighten up gum tissues and even prevent oral cancer. Pineapple is believed to fix loosening of teeth or the retraction of the gums. Keep your teeth healthy and strong by munching some Pineapples.

TREATS ACNE:

Pineapples can be used both externally and internally to improve your skin condition. The anti-inflammatory qualities of Vitamin C, Bromelain and special enzymes found in Pineapples proves beneficial in treating Acne. Mix it with some turmeric for an amazing natural mask to treat your face.

TREATS FOOT CRACKS:

Scrubbing your feet with Pineapple helps to get soothing relief for inflammation and swelling, triggered by the cracks and make your feet smooth and radiant.

STRENGTHEN THE NAILS:

Pineapple is a good source of Vitamin A & Vitamin B. These minerals helps to keep your nails strong and healthy. It could be applied topical and munched regularly.

CURE CHAPPED LIPS:

Pineapple helps to hydrate the body. Mix Pineapple with Coconut Oil to soothe chapped skin and Lips.

HAIR GROWTH:

Vitamin C & Antioxidants present in Pineapples are a powerful source which helps fight against free radicals that damage hair growth. Pineapple extracts, when applied to the scalp, are known to provide vital nutrients to the follicles to make your hair grow better, thicker, and shinier.

PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH:

Pineapple provides a good source of Amino Acid called Tryptophan which helps the body to produce Serotonin otherwise called the HAPPY HORMONE. Amino Acids along with Nutrients like Vitamin B is essential to keep your mind stable, producing enough energy and positivity.

HOW TO SELECT, STORE & USE A PINEAPPLE

HOW TO SELECT A PINEAPPLE

Choose fresh-looking pineapples with green leaves and a firm shell. The pineapple should also have a small amount of “give” when squeezed gently.
You should be able to smell the distinctive pineapple smell when you put your nose close to the bottom of the fruit.

HOW TO STORE A PINEAPPLE

Pineapples will keep longer if refrigerated in a perforated plastic bag, up to 3-5 days.
If using within 1-2 days, store pineapples at room temperature.

HOW TO CUT A PINEAPPLE

To cut a pineapple, start by cutting off the crown and bottom. Kee the Pineapple upright and cut away the peel. deep enough to remove the eyes. Cut in half lengthwise, then halve each half to give you four quarters. Cut out and discard the core from the centre of each quarter. Cut into chunks or simply Slice it up and enjoy!

PINEAPPLES IN YOUR DAILY DIET

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE

Pineapples are naturally sweet, eat them as such or prepare a Sugarless Pineapple Juice it becomes a healthy way to cut down your calories. Pineapples can be added into your daily diet, some easy ways to enjoy Pineapples are to :

Eat Pineapple plain as a snack.
Drink it as a Pineapple Juice.
Use Pineapples in a Fruit Salad.
Add Pineapple or Pineapple Juice to a smoothie.
Fresh Pineapple Juice can be added into your favourite drink to convert it into a fancy Mocktail like Virgin Pina Colada or a Cocktail.
Add Grapes & Pineapple to a piece of Cheese and serve it as an appetizer or dessert.
Can convert it into Wines.
Can make a wonderful & flavour-filled Pineapple Fried Rice.
Pineapple is used in various Curries like Pineapple Pulissery, Pineapple Rasam, Madhura Curry, Nyonya Pineapple & Chicken Curry etc.,
It is also used while making Salads & Pickles.
Can make wonderful Desserts like Pineapple Ice cream, Pineapple Pudding, Pineapple upside-down cake, Pineapple Kesari etc.,

TRIVIA: Fun Facts About Pineapple:

Pineapple gets its English name from the look-a-like "PINECONE".
It takes almost 3 years for a single Pineapple to reach maturation.
Once harvested, Pineapples don’t continue to ripen.

HOMEMADE PINEAPPLE JUICE

     Homemade Pineapple Juice – refreshingly sweet, a bit tangy with just the right amount of tartness made from real fresh pineapples. Easy, simple and loaded with tons of nutrients in every glass. A glass of Pineapple juice is fit enough to serve you with an essential dose of vitamin C for a day. A delicious tropical delight, which can boost your immunity & also can suppress inflammation.
     Pineapple Juice is one of my ultimate favourite homemade juice. A natural juice made from fresh pineapple, this drink is deliciously sweet with just the right balance of tartness and tanginess. You can serve this for breakfast, lunch, backyard parties, dinner or basically anytime you need something to wash down all those delicious foods.

     Drink it as such or convert your simple Pineapple Juice to Fun Drinks. Pineapple juice can be turned into wonderful combinations adding just other few ingredients like Ginger or Lemon or Mint. Combine it with other Juices like Watermelon/Orange Juice for a beautiful combination of flavours & colours. Combine it up with your favourite Lemonade for a zingy & tangy Pineapple Lemonade. Add it into your favourite Mocktail/Cocktail for yet another fun drink. Try making a simple mocktail by combining this homemade Pineapple Juice with Coconut Cream/ Milk for a tropical treat - Virgin Pina Colada.

For more JUICES, DRINKS & SMOOTHIES, Click here...

Recipe Type - Juice
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 3-4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 15 -20 Minutes